Winter Startup

[danielclubs]

This is my first spring with my boat and I'm just trying to make sure I have everything taken care of. I have an '86 Starcraft with a 75 hp Mercury on it. Tonight, I put muffs on it, turned on the water, and started it up. It started right away and sounded good. However, I didn't notice water coming from the tube just below the head on the back of the motor. Water was coming out from the muffs as if the impeller wasn't taking it. When I noticed this (about 10 seconds) I killed the motor so it doesn't burn up. Does it take a little time for the water pressure to build? I put the muffs on the set of holes in front of the the propeller. Thanks!

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: Winter Startup

yes takes time
are u using the merc muffs or generic

 

[Plainsman]

Re: Winter Startup

Try running a piece of weedeater line up the pee hole. 10 seconds is long enough to get water out.
When was the impeller replaced?

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Winter Startup

If you have not replaced the impeller yourself, I would highly recommend doing so. I replace mine annually for peace of mind; cheap insurance.​

 

[danielclubs]

Re: Winter Startup

Thanks guys,

I'm not sure when the it was replaced last. I'll try the weedeater line and I might just go ahead and replace the impeller. Does anyone know if it's reasonably simple or difficult on this type of motor? I would assume it's not too tough since everything is right there. Oh, the muffs I have are generic.

Thanks again!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Winter Startup

It's not uncommon for the muffs to leak water since house pressure is in the 60# range. You don't need the water turned full on, and you should not rev the engine higher than about 1500 - 1700 RPM on muffs.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: Winter Startup

YOu should get a manual if you want to do it yourself. Try to get a merc manual. The seloc manuals are not always correct.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Winter Startup

If you do not know when the impeller was last replaced, I would replace it before you do any more running. Soemone else could have run that motor without water. It only takes a few seconds to destroy an impeller when there is no water present. It is a fairly simple procedure to replace the impeller, not worth burning up the motor to see if it is bad or not.​

 

[hkeiner]

Re: Winter Startup

I use an inexpensive in-line pressure regulator with my hose and muffs. It is attached between the muffs and the hose. This way I don't have to worry about correctly adjusting the water pressure by hand at the valve. I can just turn the water on full and know that the pressure at the muffs is within the correct range. Also, water pressure levels can vary a lot between locations.​

Even with the correct water pressure in the hose, there will be some water escaping between the muffs and the lower unit body. However, by using a pressure regulator you will be able recognize when the blow-by is abnormal because it would not be due to varying water pressure in the hose.​